So I have already made this post in the new member forum before I realized I was now able to post in the regular forums here. but I feel like it will get more traffic here so im posting again

So I am getting the CEL code P2070. I have read through the forums and most of these are old.... from when the warranty was still good and the owners could just bring it in to get it fixed. I do not have this option.
my car is a 2004 with the six speed.I have an ultragauge. when I first start my car the last couple days, if I rev it up at first after letting off something sounds a bit off. my ultregauge will give me some notification maybe the first two times I accelerate my car. but after that I can stop my car and rev and it sounds fine. this noise only happens at the beginning and I do not know how to describe it. I have not noticed much power loss especially at higher speeds and RPMS. maybe just at launch a little bit but not much. I redline my vehicle at least one time when I take her out to do anything. sometimes its only a five minute drive through residential areas. but I tend to open her up more when on heavier roads.
I understand this code is due to the SSV being stuck open or at least the switch that tells the computer this is happening not working properly.I had seen that this is not an easy fix, need to rebuild, need a new engine.... Somewhere even that to fix this item you would have to drop out the engine. So I figured I would do this and while I have the engine out I would just rebuild it. However I came across a video on google/youtube that shows how to remove the SSV:

I watched this video through and its the same steps involved with changing the thermostat except you have to keep going and remove the thermostat housing. then you can find and pull out the SSV. so I googled "RX-8 SSV" and found the part is exactly what he pulled out. So I know this part is reachable I have done all this before to replace the thermostat.
now I got a couple of things to ask here and any response to any or all of them is welcome. I love my car and wouldn't dream of getting rid of it and im hungry to learn as much as I can about it.
First off how would I know if the SSV is actually the problem or whether the switch that tells the computer its not working is bad??? as I understand these are separate. If I did not understand that properly please let me know.
Second If I take the piece out to check it out what is the best way to clean it up and getting working proper IF I can?
Im also interested in finding out if my car is a special edition. I see people talk about their 04 and make a package reference. But to my knowledge the 04 was just the RX-8 with different transmissions. and either a four port or six port engine.but like in 2005 they made the shinka. I don't think it has any beefed up components except what I put on but I would still like to know.
thank you for anyone willing to take their time and help me

 

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-...-video-184663/

 

Do not rebuild the engine, it's not necessary and given the questions you're asking, you're not at that point.

If you haven't noticed power loss, it's more likely to be the switch, but I would see if you can operate the SSV by hand and decide from there.

There is no 2004 special edition, only trim levels. If you have leather and a sunroof, it's a GT. If you don't.. it's not

Don't redline it until the car is fully warmed up and until you have solved the SSV and any other potential issues.

The noise might be the air pump, it's only active for the first minute or so of the engine running. Without a description of the sound we're guessing here.

 

Thanks guys I have been doing some research on this all day but this was a big help. The videos are exactly what I needed. This I can do.
I know I'm not an expert on this car and that's why I'm asking questions now that Ive decided to really put money into this project. I have had it for two years now and have learned A LOT over the last them. But what Ive learned Ive learned well and retained quite well also. I have probably watched 200 engine rebuild videos, called places like Atkins Rotary, Texas Rotary Experts,and Rotary Engine Specialist in Canada more than a handful of times to clarify things for me. Im learning how to use this website better. and Im starting to ask more if I cant find what I need. I really love this car. I know If I had more money to dump in it all at once instead of dealing with things a little at a time or when something like this happens and I have to fix a piece right away. If you put me in front of any other car with any other engine I would prolly be clueless but I have really done homework and studied on this car because when I was 14 our mall had a showroom in it and I wanted one back then. I finally got it and Im ready to build it up. But I have been researching what I can about this car for the last two years since purchasing.
the sound it makes on let off is just an airy sound. I don't wanna call it a sucking sound because its not harsh. just like wind blowing through a slanted grate. Its not aggressive or rattling. its barely noticeable. I have to make sure the AC is off just to hear it. and maybe you could be right. it might have to do with the air pump. when I first got the car there were some small air lines not connected to where the should be. I had to reattach them when finding them during other projects I was doing to the car.(Is there a link for all the air/vacuum lines in diagram maybe???) But this CEL code is def my biggest problem ATM. I got some performance parts coming in this week (20 piece silicone hose kit, fan controller, and AEM Intake) but I wanna get this fixed before putting the intake in at least. I can replace the hoses as I take SSV out.and when its all back together I can add the fan controller. Ill wait a week before installing the air intake and see how shes doing without it for a while first.

 

My 04 GT is in the shop for SSV issue right now (too much travel over next few weeks and need a state inspection before the end of the month). Not pulling a P2070 for a gummed up SSV, my issue is the 16 year old actuator on the SSV isn't holding vacuum properly anymore so instead of getting the boost from the SSV smoothly from around 4K to redline it hangs until around 6K and then snaps open with an accompanying surge in engine output. As Loki said, best initial test is just to see if you can manually manipulate the actuator pot on the front of the SSV. If it moves without effort then the SSV may not be gummed up. If you feel resistance then likely it may be.

Mazda released TSB 01-019/08 back in April of 2008 regarding the replacement of the SSV with a newer design for the original production runs of the RX8. Mazda states the new design incorporates a stronger actuator. I've also read that it is supposedly less prone to carbon build-up than the original design. Below is the parts list off that TSB. If you can find it online, the TSB also has decent instructions on how to perform the replacement.

 

Thanks VOODOO I am aware of the updated design. the first design had these little dug out sections that carbon could get in and build up on in bigger clumps causing the issue. the newer design does not have these in them. Its much more smooth in these areas and not such a deep pocket to build up on.As I said I have been doing research. I did find a video that says how to test all the components to the SSV. The Switch, the actuator, and the valve itself. I actually just watched the video provided and it uses the same methods so I will not describe the process here. but an electrical reader and a hand pump to make sure the vacuum holds will do.I will keep updated. Probably be starting this tomorrow after work. I had my kids over this weekend. If any body asks me to I will post the project as it goes along.
But thanks to you guys for taking the time to help someone whos interested in learning. I'm very grateful.

 

so the actuator moved fine. I might need a grommet for the bar though. things seem like they are in working order. so I removed the SSV. there was a lot of carbon build up on the SSV. The bolts look to me like this has been done before to this car. they do not look like any other bolts I am taking out. I am also gonna test the switch with a multi-meter and clean the SSV with chem dip. but heres what we have so far.

bolts SSV

top half thermostat removed

actuator in different positions

actuator in different positions

actuator in different positions